Earlier this week – with the support of Sinn Fein Cllr Mark Ward – South Dublin County Council took up the cause and agreed to back the campaign.

Leo told The Gazette: “I’m sorry it’s taken this long and whether the Minister moves on it or not is another matter, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.”

Cllr Ward said the horrific hit and run had resonated with a lot of people, adding: “Marsia was struck so hard that she was lifted straight out of her shoes. She was well loved by everyone. She loved children and was constantly babysitting. She had started work experience in a crèche in her transition year.”

The driver of the car – later identified as Ciara McAlinden from Dundalk and who was jailed for 10 months - failed to stop. In court, it emerged that she had a previous conviction for drink driving and had gone out to buy drugs that night.

Marsia Lieghio (Image: Collins Photos)

Marsia, a fifth year student at Colaiste Bride who dreamed of becoming a midwife, never regained consciousness and died as a result of her injuries on October 22.

Leo said her loved ones, including her two brothers and her sister Lia who was just 10 months older than her, feel her loss more acutely at Christmas.

He revealed: “This is always a hard time of year for us. It happened in October. She had only just turned 16. Every year we miss her because she was one hell of a presence. She always had a smile on her face.”